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H.S. football: Mike Wilson tabbed as Schalick's next head coach

Mike WIlson was approved by the board of education to become the next head football coach at Schalick High School(Photo: Submitted photo)

Mike Wilson knows the excitement that Friday night football brings to a community.

That’s why he’s pumped up about his new job.

Wilson was named the seventh head coach in Schalick High School history on Thursday night when he was approved by the district’s board of education.

“Schalick, it’s a Friday night lights type of school,” Wilson said. “It’s a small town. The band is playing, the cheerleaders are cheering and the community comes together. It’s an event. And it’s something I’m extremely excited to be a part of.”

Wilson takes over replaces Seth Brown, who guided the Cougars to eight winning seasons and four conference titles during his 15-year tenure. In the two years before that, the team went a combined 23-1 with two sectional titles under Josh Hedgeman.

“I’m excited to take of over this program that has had a very good tradition and good run over the last 15-20 years,” said Wilson, who will also teach history at the school. “We’re looking to build on that foundation and drive it forward.”

“It’s a perfect fit for him and a perfect fit for us,” Clarke said. “As much as we’re hiring him to handle Xs and Os, it’s more about building young men.”

Wilson, 38, arrives in Pittsgrove with plenty of coaching experience, including two years as a head coach at Middle Township where he went 3-17 in two seasons from 2010-11.

Wilson began his coaching career as the freshman coach at St. Augustine in 2004 before stops at Middle Township and his alma mater Lower Cape May.

In 2014 and 2015, Wilson was the defensive coordinator at Oakcrest where the team earned consecutive playoff appearances. Last season, he was the offensive line coach at Mainland.

“I’m 10 times a better coach than I was 10 years ago simply from experience, I know what to expect know,” Wilson said. “I’ve a part of some very good football programs and I’ve learned a lot from each of them.”

Wilson’s offensive and defensive schemes will evolve and be streamlined as the coaches get to know their players, something that is tough to do without seeing them on the field due to the current coronavirus pandemic. However, one thing is for certain for the small Group 1 program.

“Kids will have to learn multiple positions,” Wilson said.

Wilson has been married to his wife, Danielle, for 13 years and the couple has two daughters, Kinsley and Kerragan.

Wilson is anxious to get started with his new program and knows what the sport will mean upon its return.

“Whether the season starts on time or it gets off to a little later start, it’s going to mean so much to the country to have football,” he said.